A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Greenville for Couples and Families

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a untouched, pristine, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greenville travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cumberland Island National Seashore is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greenville is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for the Dungeness Ruins. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Greenville and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Greenville is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Greenville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a few options for museum-goers. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.


Is the Food Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Greenville is adequate for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Greenville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Most people don't head to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Greenville is a popular place for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Greenville has a few options to choose from. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

People don't go to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the nightlife. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular vacation destination. There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.

Greenville is not a beach destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking. You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Greenville is a popular place for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Greenville. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Cumberland Island National Seashore has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. The barrier island has 17 miles of pristine beaches. It offers a truly beautiful setting that feels undiscovered and untouched.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers lots of family activities. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Greenville is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will appreciate the pristine coastline, beautiful wildlife, and secluded hiking trails. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but it's also possible to stay at one of the island's campgrounds. For a truly romantic experience you could also stay at the Greyfield Inn.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. Backpackers appreciate the secluded and pristine atmosphere. There are miles of hiking trails as well as campgrounds on the island for those who want to stay overnight.

Greenville is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. While there are students in the area, there is little else to bring backpackers to town.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Greenville both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to the island is by ferry. It leaves from the town of St. Marys and advanced reservations are recommended.

Public transit is generally limited in Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Greenville

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable island. There are many hikes on the island, but the whole island is 18 miles long, making it difficult to walk in one day. Many visitors spend their time near the campgrounds where there's the highest concentration of hiking trails. This area is known as Sea Camp.

Greenville is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Greenville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cumberland Island National Seashore that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Greenville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.


  • How many days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Greenville 1-2

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

With around the pristine island of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, one day is sufficent for most.

In Greenville, you'll find nightlife and shopping. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

With around the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Many people visit Greenville for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Cumberland Island National Seashore, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Greenville is a popular place to visit. The southern city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Greenville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cumberland Island National Seashore Prices
    USA Prices
    Greenville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $175
    Greenville $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $175, while the average daily cost in Greenville is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore


Hotels in Greenville


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Greenville $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

Also for Greenville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Cumberland Island National Seashore or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Cumberland Island National Seashore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $65
    Greenville $37

Typical Food Prices in Greenville

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Greenville:


  • Marble Slab Creamery (for 2)
    $9.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Greenville $25

Tours and Activities in Greenville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Greenville.

  • Epic Royalty Themed Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Greenville: $10
  • Greenville Bites and Sights Lunch Tour: $95
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour: $120
  • Greenville Haunted Bar Tour: $35
  • 2-Hour Cocktail Tour: $109
  • 2-Hour Dessert Tour: $90
  • Bites and Sights Guided Walking Tour: $95
  • Downtown Helicopter Tour: $110
  • Helicopter Tour of Lake Robinson and Mountains: $275
  • Saturday Morning Breakfast Tour: $90
  • Scenic Helicopter Tour Over Swamp Rabbit Trail: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Greenville -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Greenville, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore is more expensive. And not only is Greenville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Greenville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Greenville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cumberland Island National Seashore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cumberland Island National Seashore than you might in Greenville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive? and Is Greenville Expensive?.


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